A passenger rides in an Uber. Legal help could get her the average Uber settlement payout in an accident.

Uber Accident Settlement Amounts

By Levin Simes
November 7, 2024

Rideshare services like Uber have become a convenient part of life. Unfortunately, accidents can happen. If you have been injured in an Uber accident, knowing your rights, legal options, and average Uber settlement payout is essential. This guide offers a clear and concise overview of the factors influencing compensation and insights into settlements in Uber claims.

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At Levin Simes, our experienced Uber accident attorneys have a proven track record of securing the maximum settlement for Uber accident victims. Give us a call at (415) 426-3000 or contact us online to set up a 100% free consultation today. 

Understanding Uber Passenger Accident Settlement Amounts

Uber offers robust insurance coverage for drivers during active rides with passengers, including liability, collision, and protection against uninsured motorists. However, their coverage is limited when a driver is online but not transporting passengers. 

Within the Uber passenger accident settlement amounts, a wide range of compensation can be awarded for various injury levels, from minor injuries to fatalities.

Minor Injuries

Settlements for minor injuries, such as whiplash or bruises, can range from a few thousand to tens of thousands of dollars. The amount of a settlement for minor injuries would be based on the economic damages involved, including:

  • Property damage
  • Expenses from injuries
  • Pain and suffering

Severe Injuries

For more severe injuries, such as broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, or paralysis, settlements may be higher depending on the value of the medical services that were required and the pain and suffering the victim incurred. For example, one man left paralyzed by a crash sued Uber for $63 million.

Fatalities

In cases involving fatalities, the settlement amounts can vary, and it is important to consult a lawyer to determine the value of your case. These settlements typically include:

  • Compensation for the deceased person's pain and suffering
  • Funeral expenses
  • Lost income
  • The emotional distress of surviving family members

Uber Insurance Coverage

Depending on when an accident happens, liability coverage provided by Uber insurance will differ. 

While a driver is waiting for a ride request, they are covered by their own insurance, with a non-comprehensive policy backing this up from Uber. Once they have accepted a ride request and are en route or once the passenger is in the car, Uber offers $1,000,000 in third-party liability coverage. 

This means that as long as your accident happens between a ride being accepted and the passenger exiting the car, Uber will have a high cap on the amounts they will pay out. 

It always helps to approach cases like this with the help of an Uber accident attorney. Levin Simes often works with cases against Uber, and this experience gives us an edge on how to fight for Uber passenger accident settlement amounts. 

Contact us online or call (415) 426-3000 today for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your potential case.

How to Calculate Potential Uber Accident Settlement Amounts

Uber accident compensation can vary significantly depending on several factors, including the accident's severity, liability, and insurance coverage. 

However, it will also heavily rely on the negotiation skills of your representation and the strength of your case. All of these factors will weigh into the final compensation you may be able to claim.

The severity of your injuries and medical expenses typically are the top key determinants of the amount available in an Uber accident settlement. Severe injuries usually require extensive treatment, surgeries, or long-term rehabilitation and care, which can lead to higher settlements. This typically applies to injuries that result in lifelong impacts, such as:

  • Reducing your ability to earn income
  • Inhibiting your ability to participate in common daily activities
  • Leaving you with scarring and disfigurement
  • Causing a wrongful death

These factors and others will be carefully evaluated when determining a fair settlement with your Uber accident lawyer. Seeking legal advice is crucial to ensure a fair and just outcome for those affected by Uber accidents. Working with a lawyer familiar with Uber and the strategies the company uses to avoid liability may increase your chances of a fair settlement.

Limiting Factors for Uber Accident Settlement Amounts

Determining who is at fault for the accident and finding supporting evidence for your case is also crucial and can limit the amount you may be eligible to collect. Liability can fall on the Uber driver, another driver, both, or some other party. This responsible party will typically be liable for damages. 

Those damages may then be limited based on the insurance coverage of that party. Uber drivers have insurance provided by Uber itself, but coverage and maximum amounts can vary based on the status of the driver at the time of the accident. Specific liability insurance policies and coverage limits will influence the potential settlement amount unless you choose to file a lawsuit.

Gathering Evidence to Support Your Uber Accident Settlement Amount

It is essential to gather compelling evidence to maximize your chances of a favorable settlement after an Uber accident. Establishing liability can be challenging. Your lawyer can work with you to collect all the evidence available.

Record every detail possible, including the exact date and time, to help establish a timeline of events. It is also important to collect witness statements from people who may have seen the accident, such as pedestrians, motorists, or passengers from nearby vehicles who can corroborate your story. Get contact information from anyone willing to share their name, phone number, and address. 

Request the dashcam footage from your Uber driver, if available, and from those present during the accident. This might include things like photos of the vehicles, the accident location, traffic signs and signals, and injuries. 

All of these important details help you back up your claim and provide a strong basis for obtaining Uber car accident settlements. Your car accident lawyer will help you strategically utilize the evidence that you have collected to put together a solid claim.

Damages Available in Uber Car Accident Settlements

In your Uber accident, you have the right to be repaid for the losses you sustained due to your injuries. Your Uber car accident settlement will be comprised of two categories: economic damages and non-economic damages. These make up the total compensatory awards that you can receive in any car accident settlement.

Potential Economic Damages

Economic damages are ones that are directly tied to a financial sum and can be backed up with direct documentation such as receipts, bills, and invoices. Your economic damages will be calculated as both past, present, and future losses. Some common examples of economic damages include:

  • Lost wages
  • Medical care and treatments
  • Rehabilitation services
  • Hospital and ambulatory services
  • Personal property damage, such as phones or laptops
  • Funeral expenses

Potential Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages are harder to calculate because they are not directly related to a financial sum. These are often referred to as pain and suffering damages and include things like:

  • Suffering and mental anguish
  • Chronic pain
  • Permanent disabilities
  • Scarring and disfigurement

How to Receive an Uber Car Accident Settlement

Settlement is often the preferred outcome in personal injury claims, including those arising from Uber car accidents. This is because settlements can provide a more timely resolution compared to going to trial, which can be lengthy and unpredictable. Companies generally prefer to settle claims out of court to avoid the costs and uncertainties associated with litigation. 

In Uber’s case, they also may be concerned about the publicity that is gained from defending a case in court. However, not all Uber car accidents result in settlements.

In some cases, parties involved may be unable to reach an agreement, and your Uber accident lawyer will explain your options, including litigation and trial. Consulting with an attorney from Levin Simes can help you understand your options and determine a strong course of action. If you choose to file a lawsuit against Uber, we will aggressively defend your case to get you the compensation you deserve.

How Levin Simes Can Help You in an Uber Accident Claim

At Levin Simes, we are dedicated to helping individuals injured in Uber accidents. Our experience with past cases of victims of Uber accidents has given us experience in negotiating and litigating these cases. 

As trial lawyers, we have the experience and resources to stand up and fight against large companies like Uber. We choose to only work with select clients to ensure that each of them gets the attention they deserve. If you partner with us in your Uber accident claim, we will:

  • Listen to your case thoroughly to determine the right approach
  • Gather all relevant evidence and investigate where the liability lies
  • Interview eye-witnesses and experts to provide testimony to support your case
  • Thoroughly evaluate all details and evidence of your case to assess the potential value
  • Communicate with you throughout the process so you understand what is happening
  • Negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf for a fair settlement
  • Represent you in court to fight for your rights if necessary

Our personal injury team has years of experience helping victims of Uber accidents. If you or someone you love has been injured in a rideshare collision due to negligence, contact Levin Simes today. Give us a call at (415) 426-3000 to discuss the details of your case. 

How Long Does an Uber Settlement Take?

Let’s explore the steps in filing a claim after an Uber accident to determine how long an Uber settlement might take. The involved process is much like that of a typical car accident but can get complicated with the additional factor of a powerhouse corporation being involved. Organizations like Uber are often reticent to admit any fault and have a team of lawyers on retainer to defend them. 

How an Uber Driver Accident Attorney Can Help

One of the biggest factors that will influence your settlement may be whether or not you choose to hire legal representation. Your Uber driver accident lawyer can help you collect evidence and strategize a strong case.

Steps in an Uber Settlement

An Uber settlement typically goes through a number of steps that can vary slightly, depending on your unique circumstances. First, you must report the accident to law enforcement. Next, file a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance. 

Settlement negotiations generally occur after the claim has been filed. However, if the insurance company fails to offer a fair settlement, it may be in your best interests to take legal action. At Levin Simes, our attorneys are here to help protect your right to just compensation. 

Contact Our Uber Accident Attorneys for Help Today

If you or someone you know has been injured in an Uber accident, consulting with one of our experienced attorneys may help. We are not afraid to take on giant companies like Uber and will fight to maximize your settlement. 

Contact Levin Simes online or give us a call at (415) 426-3000 to set up a free consultation to discuss how much your case might be worth.

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